Northampton College

We’ve had an amazing time at STEAM Northants today.

So many brilliant young people came over to our stand to get involved, ask questions, and explore what their future could look like.

From hands-on activities to real conversations about courses, careers and next steps, it was all about showing what’s possible when you take a deep dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

If you’re thinking about your next move, there’s a whole world of opportunity waiting for you at Northampton College.

We’re here to ignite the spark inside you and help you turn ideas and imagination into a future you’re excited for.

Big thanks to all the team representing the college and to everyone who stopped by and made it an event to remember!

Discover life at Northampton College – join us at our next open event from 5pm on Thursday, 11 June to find out more about how we are shaping the next generation of problem-solvers, quick-thinkers and entrepreneurs.

With a wide range of courses starting this September, now is the time to discover your future.

https://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/open-events

😍 How good does this look?!

Northampton College, Booth Lane in the spring sunshine

📸With thanks

Ron Barden (1930-2026)

All of us at Northampton College would like to pass on our condolences to the family of our former Principal, Ron Barden, who has died aged 95.

Ron served as Principal for almost 20 years, joining the College in 1976 and establishing himself as a much-respected leader in Further Education.

Under his leadership, the number of courses and apprenticeships offered by the college grew significantly, allowing more young people to benefit from expert vocational education. He also established closer relationships with local prisons, leading to his appointment to the Parole Board in 1985. By the time he retired, Northampton College was one of the largest outside metropolitan areas.

Among those to pay tribute to Mr Barden is former colleague Julie Teckman, who remains part of the Northampton College team today. She said: “He was a charismatic man who could be stern, sharp, funny and kind, somehow all at the same time. It was rumoured that he had the timetables of all staff in his office and that, after greeting you cordially in a corridor, he would go back and check that you were where you were supposed to be!

“He knew his staff well and was always on top of what was going on under his watch. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a laugh that you couldn’t help joining in with and there was a twinkle in his eye even when he was being a bit terrifying to a new teacher like me.

“After his retirement, it was always lovely to bump into him in the street or at university events where he maintained a keen interest in further and higher education, and he never failed to ask about my career and my family. He was a formidable and unforgettable man and I’m proud to have started my career with him as my boss.”

Ron made a significant contribution to the development of education management training in Northamptonshire and the East Midlands and received an Honorary Award from the University of Northampton upon his retirement in 1995.

As a colleague, Ron was much-loved for his sense of humour and sharing tales about his wide-ranging hobbies, which included ballroom dancing, refereeing, vegetable growing and even magic.

In retirement, he travelled extensively while enjoying reading and tackling the daily crossword.

He is survived by his four children and five grandchildren.

We’re looking forward to once again being part of The Northampton Carnival.

We will be teaming up with our friends at Performing Room to bring our share of music, colour and fun to the procession.

Staff and students will be joining the parade through town on Saturday, 13 June - keep an eye out for our float!

If you’re out and about in Northampton over the next few weeks don’t miss the Town Centre Space Trail hosted by Northampton Town BID.

The trail features figures of astronauts, aliens, planets and moons, all tucked away safely behind picket fences created by our construction students!

The trail has been designed to complement the Planetarium GO UK experience in Market Square and runs until Sunday, 21 June.